What else about the first third of the movie did you feel made it fair better than what you remembered?
I’m not sure other than it didn’t suck as much as I expected it to based on my memories of the film. But I think it’s because the last two thirds (especially the third act) leave such an awful, putrid taste in my mouth that it spoils the whole experience and overpowers any other thoughts or memories I had of the movie. I basically was thinking, “hey, this isn’t as bad as I remember. It’s more or less on par with TPM.” But then the rest of the movie happened…
Do you not like that Anakin slaughtered the Tuskens, or that he told Padme he did and didn’t seem to register that big red flag?
Padme’s reaction (or, really, complete lack thereof) is the problem. “Hey, I just flew off the handle and murdered a bunch of women and children in a blind rage.” “Oh you poor thing, let me comfort you and empathize with your psychopathy.” Interestingly, I found Hayden’s acting during his confession to be quite good. He really comes across as genuine in his anger and it’s quite terrifying.
Yeah, the swordplay definitely feels like a downgrade compared to TPM, not only with the choreography but the location felt less interesting as well. I think it would’ve been an interesting contrast if they had shot and blocked the choreography more akin to the fight scenes in Ridley Scott’s The Duelists. It would have shown how Dooku was a more dangerous opponent than the aggressive Maul because if you made one mistake he would exploit it and kill you. It would have made the duel tense in a different way, and suited Christopher Lee’s capabilities as an actor. I almost feel like they may have been going for this, but it doesn’t feel like it was shot or cut with that in mind.
I’ve not seen The Duelists (but thanks for keying me in, it’s now on my list!) but yes, a more refined, precise, and icily ominous style would’ve suited Christopher Lee far better than the rave party spinning glow stick fights he was saddled with.